Sheep producers are being encouraged to stock up on flystrike treatments with the arrival of a La Niña event now creating the perfect conditions for flystrike.
With many sheep production areas having experienced their wettest November for more than two decades and La Niña bringing the prospect of above average rainfall in eastern Australia this summer, producers need to remain alert for flystrike.
The risk of flystrike is greatest during warm and wet conditions and increases significantly when there is enough rain to keep the sheep’s skin moist for two days or more.
Prevention, monitoring and treatment all play key roles in integrated flystrike management in the lead up to, and during, high-risk flystrike periods.
Craig Lyons, Marketing Manager from Troy Animal Healthcare, said it’s important for producers to ensure they are adequately resourced to quickly tackle the first appearance of flystrike, given the likelihood of a wet summer and high pasture density.
“It is essential that producers stock up on chemicals to have on hand as variability in weather over the next few months will determine the incidence of flystrike,” Mr Lyons said.
“We have already seen a large increase in demand for our flystrike product AVENGE + FLY on the back of high November rainfall, and the prospect of a wet summer.
“Producers want peace of mind knowing that if their flock is affected by flystrike, they have the tools on hand to act quickly and mitigate any productivity losses.”
Claire Hunt, Technical Services Veterinarian, Troy Animal Healthcare, said producers should not underestimate the potential animal health and welfare implications and productivity losses from flystrike.
“Flystrike can be devastating for sheep and producers. It costs the industry over $173 million annually in prevention, treatment and productivity losses,” Dr Hunt said.
“We know insecticide resistance to key chemicals is becoming more common, so it is essential that as we head into warm, wet and humid conditions, that producers are prepared.
“Now is the time to talk to your advisor and reseller about your treatment options and rotation of actives to ensure what you are using to treat flystrike is effective.
“During high fly pressure periods, chemical availability and supplies may be low. Touch base with your local stockist to make sure you secure your chemical supply early and are prepared for this upcoming flystrike season.”
